ALBANY, NY—The Albany Business Review, reporter Shannon Sweeney, spoke with Maria president, Dr. Thomas Gamble, on his goals for Maria College. Read the full interview. Gamble describes Maria’s expanding educational role in the health sciences and the niche he sees the College playing in the future.
“We like the position we’re in, and we like the place we’re in,” Gamble told Sweeney. “It seems to really meet the needs of students in the region. We want to be the best version of that we can be rather than becoming something else.” He added Maria’s bachelor’s degree graduates have lower student debt than other colleges because of the College’s affordability and accessibility model.
Sweeney reported that most of Maria’s academic programs are centered on the health industry because of the high job demand in the Albany area. Gamble told the Albany Business Review that the College has had many conversations with employers in the region to ensure programs are relevant and meet their needs.
Dr. Robert Cella Jr., who just retired from St. Peter’s Health Partners as its chief medical officer, transitioned to Maria College to lead the bachelor’s degree in healthcare management program. He is providing students with a broad range of opportunities to train new nurses and other people in health care and sees a lot of opportunities in the region. Read more.
Since Maria College was founded in 1958, the region has benefited from its talented graduates; many who have stayed in the area to launch and grow their careers. A 2015 job placement survey reported 95 percent of Maria graduates are either successfully placed in positions or continuing their education.
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About Maria College:
Founded in 1958, Maria College is one of 16 colleges and universities in the United States sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. The private, co-educational, Catholic college in Albany serves almost 1,000 students in a variety of degree and certificate programs that make a difference in the lives of others by combining strong academic study with caring service. Maria College has a reputation for excellence in health related programs of nursing, occupational therapy assistant, health care management as well as programs in liberal arts.